In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Use a cookie cutter to cut out gingerbread man shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are firm.

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.